KCI redevelopment project ready for takeoff

2/28/2019

Today the City of Kansas City, Missouri, City Council approved an ordinance that gives the green light to design and build a modern terminal to greatly improve the customer experience and convenience at Kansas City International Airport. The new terminal will be built at the site of the closed Terminal A and is expected to open in early 2023.

“I’m pleased that we are continuing to move forward to get this done because at the end of the day that’s what’s important for our residents and the future of our city,” Mayor Sly James said right before the council’s 11-1 vote.

The ordinance includes a Development Agreement with Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, as well as the Developer’s Guaranty (Pledge), Terminal Workforce Enhancement Program and the airlines’ Use and Lease Term Sheet.

This approval allows the Aviation Department and Edgemoor to begin demolition of Terminal A, and to start building the new terminal.

This milestone is a significant step in a process that started with the City’s selection of Edgemoor as the developer in September 2017, and the approval of 75% of Kansas City voters in November 2017.

Two other major approvals have taken place in recent days:

Airlines have signed the term sheet for the project financing. This approval is signed by seven airlines representing 95.5% of airline volume at KCI

Next, City Council will consider gap financing, the airline Use and Lease Agreement and bond issuance for the $1.5 billion project.

“This is a great day for Kansas City. The City Council’s support of the Ordinance allows our team to advance design and construction activities, put people to work, and activate the programs and services we’ve committed to providing to the region” said Geoffrey Stricker, managing director, Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate. “Edgemoor made a promise to Kansas Citians to deliver a transformational new terminal and we are ready to move forward.”

The new terminal will feature 39 gates, with infrastructure to support future expansion. More than 1 million square feet will provide room for improved and efficient security, ample amenities, and more bathrooms. The new terminal will include a two-level curbside drop-off and pickup area which will be more convenient and less crowded for travelers. Also, waiting areas at each gate will be larger to accommodate the increasing number of passengers on modern aircraft. The City has tasked designers with making the terminal sustainable and accessible.

Construction activity is expected to begin in late March 2019. An average of 800 workers would be on the job site on any given day during most phases of construction. Terminals B & C will continue normal operations during construction.